The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1887-05-06

suppose there were not ten persons in the
audience that first saw his Ko-Ko who re
called his face as familiar one. Yet he had
played here as long ago as 1880 in Scott-Sid
dons' support. With that famous woman he
made a tour of the country, doing straight
comedy roles with fair success, but making
no special hit, probably because he hadn't
much of an opportunity. His Ko-Ko reap
pearance, and its accompanying hit, gave
him decidedly better opinion of America,
as you may imagine.
Thorne is mite of a man; probably he
isn't more than five feet in height. He's a
great deal older than he looks, and he isn't
old at that. Off the stage he is as companion
able an actor and as thorough gentleman
as England has ever sent hither. He hap
PLY lacks the prejudices of most of our i'm
ported professionals" always has sin
cerely admiring word to say of our players
and our playhouses, and never talks about
his associates. 1t is not surprising, you see,
that he is popular. Some day, they tell me
who know him best, he is going to star here
in line of farcical and musical comedies. 1t
will be safe to wager that he'll succeed,
for he is plucky, shrewd, conservative and
talented. He comes of an excellent old stock
of players and was born in the very shadow
of a theatre, and toddled on to the stage
child. His sister, Kate, is one of EngIand's
best known actresses and manageresses, and
his brother, Frederic, has also trod the
boards, having visited America for brief
time about twenty years ago.
Outside of Thorne, the "Evangeline' re-
vival showed us new Evangeline in plump
and sprightly Vernona Jarbeau. The duties
of her young motherhood rest lightly on this
pretty girl, whose voice is in good condition
and whose movements are entirely unembar-
rased. She's a better Evangeline by far than
Louise Montague, the prize-beauty, was, and
in some of her ways she reminds me of
Laura Joyce, who sang the past ten years or
more ago, when Rice was humber but not
more sanguine. Indeed, it seems to me that
more varied memories of the light-opera
stage are grouped about "Evangeline'' than
my other piece of its kind know Of Nat
Goodwin was once glad enough to play Capt.
Dietrich in it for salary, and George S.
Knight, who followed him in the role, scored
hit by making up to- resemble Ben Butler.
Dan Mason, who is playing the part now,
was once John T. kelly's partner in the
variety houses. and he tells me he is going
to star next season so Judge Capt. Dietrich
somehow brings good fortune to his imper-
senators. James s. Maffitt is yet the Lone
Fisherman. "Evangeline" has known only
That other was Harry Hunter, now dead
and gone, but big favorite in his day, and
capable all-round comedian. OF Gabriels
there have been many, but none more
sweetly picturesque than Venie Clancy, a
delicate and a pretty little girl, whom con-
sumption carried away all too soon; there
was roguish Gabriel in Lizzie Webster, a
brunette whom to see was to worship, and
whom Jacob Nunnemacher, the Milwaukee
manager, now esteemS as his wife. There
was sparkling Gabriel in Fay Templeton,
of everywhere, and there was a melodious
Gabriel in little Irene Verona, an English
woman, and the wife of Fred Darrell the
actor. Verona and Darrell have gone back
to England within the week.
We have had two dramatic novelties this
week: Annie Pixley played 1.-THE Deacons
Daughter" for us, and Mrs. Langtry, re-
turned from the circuits, acted Lady Clancarty
in Tom Taylor's drama of that name Mrs.
Langtry was fashionably and favorably re-
ceived, and Miss Pixley met hosts of old
friends in an engagement as important as any
she has ever filled here.
The regular season of the stock companies
at Harrigan's, Days and Madison-square
closes April 30, and all three companies take
TO the roads. At Harrigans Herr Conrad's
opera troupe go in to sing 1.-The Gypsy Baron''
for a season. am afraid they viii not stay
long. The opera has been heard here great
deal of late, and, besides, it had a long
run at the Casino year or more ago.
The Park is hardly suited to light opera
presentations, and Conrad, / dare say,
will find out as much before he has been
there many nights. At the Madison-square
those of Manager Palmer's forces not engaged
IN the tour of Jim, the Penman" will, with
month, after which Richard Mansfield will
lease the house. Days Theatre will be
closed all summer. Something like 81 SOC
per week in advance was Days figure for its
rental. He didn't find any tenants and ]
don't wonder at 1t.
Miss Lille Grubb, who is the. wife Of David